God's Purpose in Your Suffering

"While no one wants to suffer, experience and sorrow will mature the believer. We can learn certain things from books and other people's stories, but most growth occurs during trials. So, when problems occur and sorrow seems piercing, thank God for His purpose in your suffering". Dr. Charles Stanley

I'm still thinking on this idea of suffering. Dr. Stanley is a wise and respected man of the cloth. But, his last sentence bugs me. "Thank God for His purpose in your suffering". If the doc is suggesting that God purposes for you to suffer so you will become stronger in your faith, I think he is wrong. I believe God wants us to enjoy an abundant life free from suffering, but sin gets in the way. With sin, we suffer. God does not force us to sin.

Maybe put it this way. In a perfect world there would be no sin. With no sin there would be no suffering. In an imperfect world there is sin and suffering. So, what is God going to do? He going to keep His promises. He is going to allow you the opportunity to grow strong even in the face of evil. It's all about what you do with the choices you make in life that determines the person you choose to be.